Photos of Delivered Packages More Than Just a Customer Courtesy

The Verge reported that Amazon has been rolling out a new service that provides customers a photo of packages that have been delivered at their doorstop:

Amazon Logistics Photo On Delivery provides visual delivery confirmation — it shows customers that their package was safely delivered and where, and it’s one of many delivery innovations we’re working on to improve convenience for customers,” said an Amazon spokesperson, Kristen Kish.

USA Today reports that the program has existed for at least six months, but only recently has Amazon updated the delivery device and app so that all Logistics drivers can take a picture. The program is currently available in select markets, including Oregon, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Northern Virginia metro areas.

While consumers may like the visual confirmation of their packages, this is more than a nice- to- have customer service. Friendly fraud, including the scenario where customers deny receiving goods they purchased online so they can receive a free replacement, is a multi-billion dollar issue. Having a photo of the delivered goods could help merchants to fight these types of fraudulent chargebacks.

Overview by Sarah Grotta, Director, Debit and Alternative Products Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group